It’s November here again in Michigan and with most of the leaves gone, the skies turning a winter grey, we outdoorsmen turn our attention to the Michigan gun season. I hope this season is safe and brings forth a strong harvest for those of us who find our way to the fence rows, fields, and woods of Michigan. So far my hunts have not produced the ‘big guy’, but I am seeing deer everywhere, there’s no shortage of availability. I just have not seen the one I'm looking for. Perhaps I am more particular this year because of who not what I am hunting for.
Some people hunt for the trophy, some hunt for the venison, and some just love the outdoors. All of these people make our sport great, but now there is another reason to hunt. This is a reason that gives outdoorsmen a chance to benefit fellow man.
     As I was searching for something unique to bring you about Michigan’s Whitetail gun season I stumbled across their site. ‘Channeling Precious Natural Resources into Opportunities for a better Community’ is the title on the webpage that caught my attention. It is called sportsmenagainsthunger.org. I have to say if you have never visited this site, and you are an outdoors person, you need to check this out.
     This non profit was established in 1991, and helps facilitate the distribution of wild game to food banks, all over Michigan. In 2000 they distributed 50,000 pounds of wild game alone, all donated game stays in your local area to feed the needy in your community. My favorite part is 100% of your contribution goes directly to the programs. When I gave some thought to the potential of this organization I was awestruck.
     It is speculated that 300,000 archers, 600,000 firearm hunters, and 200,000 muzzleloader hunters will take to the woods this season. If half of us donated just one pound of our game we could potentially help distribute a half of a million pounds of venison to soup kitchens, shelters, and individuals across the state. What does a half of a million pounds really mean? Well, since meat producers across the country predict the average American consumes approximately 230 pounds of red meat per year; we could feed just over two thousand needy people each year. We could feel good about sharing the harvest from the sport we already enjoy so much.
We can make a difference and sportsmenagainsthunger.org makes it easy. I purchased a private land permit this year and plan to donate.
  I have a new outlook on how I'm going to hunt this year, and a reason to take to the woods. I encourage each of us as hunters to take this opportunity to give back and share with others our natural resources.
     The sportsmenagainsthunger.org. website is a very user friendly site, these folks have set this up for success. You can find all the information you need to donate or volunteer. They also have a list of participating processors in your area which tells me they’re serious about helping people. If you don’t hunt or weren’t as lucky as some, but still want to help, you can make a monetary donation. This is just as important to offset the cost of distribution and operations. Any amount you can afford would be greatly appreciated. They are not in this to make money. They are sportsmen who truly care about the lives of our friends and neighbors.
     Special thanks to all who volunteer, donate and participate in this wonderful gift you are what makes me proud to be a Michigander.

Hope to see you out there,

Mike